INCI: Potassium Sorbate

Function: Preservative

Benefits: Prevents growth of fungi, bacteria and mold

The Science: Potassium sorbate is used as a preservative. It is the potassium salt derived from the naturally occurring compound of sorbic acid. It kills microorganisms and prevents the growth of bacteria, fungi and mold. Sorbic acid was first derived from the berries of the mountain ash tree, rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia).

The Story: Potassium sorbate is a preservative usually used in combination with sodium benzoate.